Yays and Nays take two.

So todays blog is a little bit different, while they are still nays and yays it has just been a major learning situation for me lately. Nay- They other day as I was at the drive through, these three girls came to the window, they started giggling as they drove up and i politely handed them their stuff and took their money, as I was doing so, one of the girls asked me if i was 'religious?' (I rather hate that question because i feel like its an awkward question to answer) but non the less, I told her that "I was a Christian and i went to church so i guess the answer would be yes" I then asked her why, secretly hoping it was because she was too... I love meeting other Christians especially when it seems like there is none. Instead she replied, in a way that actually kinda stung..."Well your name is Noel so you must be religious." All three of the girls cracked up like it was the funniest thing in the world and drove off. I spent the next hour of my time analyzing the situation, its funny how a range of emotions came over me. I was stunned, did I actually get made fun of? I was slightly upset, confused and a little hurt. I know it doesnt seem like that big of a deal but i realize just a little bit more the need for respect and kindness in our world. Especially our generations. Parents teach your kids respect and kindness, be examples for them and dont let them be overtaken by the world. No one should ever be made to feel like they are less of a person because of where they work, how they dress, what they look like, talk like or live like. As Christians we are the body and we are to give life. On a much lighter note. Yay- Getting to work with foreign workers is one of the most amazing things. They are seriously some of the kindest, hardworking people I have ever met. I know that this was one of my Yays last time but I want to elaborate a little bit more. I want to tell you about Gema, one of the Filipino ladies that I work with, she is probably in her late thirties, and she has been in Canada for 4 years. That is 4 years away from her two kids who are about to graduate high school and elementary and 4 years away from her husband. And the only reason she is here is to make money for them to send back so that they may have a better future and education then she did. If you ask me that is pretty amazing. Pretty selfless and quite an example that we can all learn from. To be perfectly honest, I would have a really hard time even being in the USA away from Ryan right now. I am amazed by her gentleness and desire to meet her families needs the best way that she knows how. I commend her for her hard work and constant smile even when she is over worked and under paid. Yay to Gema today!!!!! Let me leave you with a challenge to speak life into someones life today not death and may I also challenge you to work for something more than the dollar sign.

Yays & Nays of Today!

So I decided that I am going to start this new thing on my blog about work. I have recently moved to Canada with Ryan as most of you know and through a blessing situation I was able to acquire a job at Tim Hortons. If you are the American that I know that most of you are then you might not be sure of what Tim Hortons is, Here is a link to the website. I like to think of it as a cross between American Mcdonalds/Dunkin Donuts & Starbucks. Whatever the case may be, I am at a continual constant surrender to let God lead my life through this one. I am a 25 years old married woman, a college graduate with a bachelors of science in merchandising as well as two associates degrees in business, as well as being well travelled and educated with the ways of the world right? One would think that I am a little bit 'above' fast food right? That its something that I am 'too good' for. At times yes I do feel that way, but I am very humbled in the fact that I was able to come and be with my husband and that I actually do have a job. Whatever that job may be at this point. I realize that God has called us to work hard and to Him be the glory. So that is where I am at. Okay now back to the blog, working at TH I realize that I see a lot of people on a daily basis, sometimes my heart can be quite irriated with the lack of respect that I receive, So i decided that I am going to do the Yays and Nays of the day from work. I have been telling Ryan about them when I come home and some of them are quite great, interesting and I really hope lead people to not make the same mistakes so here goes, a few from the last few weeks. Yays: -paying for the customer behind you in the drive through, even when you find out they have 4 coffees and a $25 dollar Tim Card Reload -leaving a 6 dollar tip when I realized that I charged you for 4 xl coffees when you really wanted 1 with 4 sugars and I kindly fixed the mistake and gave you your money back. -working with foreign workers ( they are the hardest working people I have ever met) Nays: -smoking in your car while you are in the drive thru, its rude, and I really dont want to have smoke blown in my face. (not to mention your kids in the car dont want smoke blown in their faces either) -being on the phone while I am trying to take your money and give you your food. Please be kind and restrain from chatting for just the 1.5 minutes that you are at the window. (plus its illegal to talk on the phone and drive anyways) - not making any eye contact with me while I am trying to take your money and handing you your food, instead you are too busy talking to the people in your car to even acknowledge that I am providing you with the things that keep you going for the day. Well those are the few for today. Its off to work I go. (Just know that these truly are in great fun, and please see my heart in them people.) The people that are serving you food are still people too, so respect them as you want to be respected!

husband.wife.

Today I would like to recognize the man that I married just two months ago. Its crazy how fast life flies by and how easy it is to take advantage of the little day to day things, especially in marriage. They say that you wont really know what you have until you lost it, or that distance really makes the heart grow fonder. I believe this to be really true. Even just a day without my husband which will lead to the next three weeks without him I have realized that he truly is my best friend. He is the one that completes me, challenges me and compliments me. I can't help but thank the Lord for putting my dashing husband in my life just a year and a half ago in Taiwan. I look forward to the years and adventures to come with this man.

new home. new start. just the beginning.

I decided since I have been pretty MIA for the last month that I would give a short little update about life. Time sure does fly and its amazing to think that I have been married for just over a month and also living for the majority of time in the beautiful country of Canada! Boy, am I blessed. This doesnt mean that life has always been easy. The last month, while it has been amazing, it has been quite hard being away from my amazing friends and family. Its been interesting trying to find a routine in life but I know that this is exactly where God wants me, wants us right now. To keep this short and sweet for today, I figured I would just update you on our little basement apartment that is becoming more and more like a home on daily basis. I just got done painting the kitchen wall with chalkboard paint and I cant wait to put up our 'Let Love Brew' sign from the wedding and turn that into one MASSIVE prayer wall. Send me your prayers people!!! :) (This will be featured on the blog soon!) Well here ya go. Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday. More blogs, and pictures of life to come. Its going to be a regular thing, its about time, now that I am a wife and all!

New curtains.

Ryan's awesome 'bar'

little details.

Grandma's hair pins box.

Reusing wedding decor.

just a thought...which leads to wedding stuff...

So I have been thinking a lot more about blogging and wanting to be very intentional with my blog as well as continue to use it for the kingdom of heaven. I feel like I have this torn feeling in me because, one how do i make fashion and the things that I like not just a materialistic desire but rather a thing that changes the world. And two its a lot of effort and almost boarder line vain to be posting pictures of my cute outfits or not so cute outfits each day ( not to bash anyone else that is doing it, because I too really want to add this to my blog.) I guess instead of fashion today I will just update you with the main thing that has been consuming my days! Wedding JOY!!! Here are some DIY stuff that I have been doing for the wedding! Have a look and get inspired!!!!

Beautiful Bridesmaids Bouquets made by: Hollie Miller (Matron of Honor)

Bridesmaids Mugs

DIY Garters. One to Toss, One to Keep!

old friends and inspirations.

Today I had Coffee with an old friend of mine Natalie. She is simply amazing. You should definitely check out here. She has inspired me to start blogging more about fashion and my style as well as just being more regular at it. Okay he goes. He is my attempt. Speaking of style, this is my favorite piece that we have in at Nordstroms If you dont already own it, GO GET IT!!!

in love.

These are definitely the shoes that I am lusting over for the wedding. Just thought i would give you a sneak peek of something that has been on my mind a lot lately. Also, very pretty things to come (i got a job at Nordstrom in lingerie. So VERY excited about this)







<3

these shoes can be found from http://seychellesfootwear.com/Home.tpl?cart=120317565741

beloved.

agapetos: a greek word meaning beloved, esteemed, dear, favourite, worthy of love.

Which brings me to a new blog that is including all of those beautiful things. The simplicity of the things that I love in life with a desire to blog more often to share my favorite things in life besides that which is just on my mind. enjoy.

Today I will honor my beloved>>